US tightens borders: Trump adds 20 nations and Palestinian Authority to travel ban list

Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation significantly expanding American travel restrictions, adding 20 countries and the Palestinian Authority to the exclusionary list. The move, described by the White House as a necessary step for national security, drastically widens the scope of who is barred from visiting or immigrating to the United States.

Under the new directives, five additional countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—have been placed under a full travel ban. The administration has also imposed a complete restriction on entry for individuals utilizing travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, 15 countries have been added to a partial-restriction list. These include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Administration officials stated that the decision aims to fortify US entry standards. The proclamation cites "widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents," and high visa overstay rates as primary drivers for the expansion. Officials specifically noted that instability and weak government control in the affected regions make it difficult to properly vet travelers.

The White House also linked the tightened measures to recent domestic security incidents, referencing the arrest of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The new measures mark a significant escalation in restrictions regarding Palestinian territories. While previous limitations made it difficult to obtain travel documents for tourism or business, the new proclamation effectively bars holders of Palestinian Authority passports from emigrating to the US. The administration cited the presence of designated terrorist groups in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, noting that the recent war has degraded local vetting capabilities.

The proclamation also modifies the restrictions announced in June. Laos and Sierra Leone have been moved from partial restrictions to full suspensions. Conversely, restrictions on Turkmenistan have been eased following reported improvements in the country's cooperation.

Despite the broadened scope, several exemptions remain in place. The restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, or athletes. Entry may also be granted on a case-by-case basis if deemed to serve US interests. The administration has not yet specified the implementation date for the new measures.

(Inputs from IANS)